Disclaimer: Almost all characters are owned by Saban. However, there is a cameo appearance by two characters created by JK Rowling.
A/N 1: As I said earlier in writing this, this is a prequel. Though this chapter isn't too important to the story "The Ghost of Me," it does have some clues left to connect things from that story.
A/N 2: The story of Billy is one that I don't have planned out yet... but I'm really excited to explore possibilities in the future... which is why I chose how to write this chapter. Hopefully you'll understand more after you read!
By Your Side – Chapter 8
Jason laid his head on the pillow on his bed, processing through what seemed to be a lifetime of events. It had been an incredibly blissful few weeks for both Jason and Tommy. For the first time in his life, he had someone to call his girlfriend, rather than his friend who happened to be a girl. However, as he got to know Emily more, he realized she was different than he expected. She could be sweet and caring, but there was definitely a roughness about her as well. He wondered if it had anything to do with her past, but they hadn't had a chance to talk about it yet. After all, they only had been on a handful of dates.
Tommy, on the other hand, seemed genuinely happy around Kat. Whenever they were together as a couple, they seemed incredibly good together. Their demeanor, excitement, and overall vibe was that they really enjoyed each other's company. But it was very different from when Tommy was with Kim. Jason observed a number of times where Tommy in particular seemed very cautious around Kat. Jason thought it could be a number of things. Maybe Kat didn't like public attention from Tommy as much as Kim did? Or, more likely, Tommy was afraid of doing something to push Kat away. Either way, Jason didn't think too much of it. Tommy and Kat would have to talk about either of those things eventually if they wanted their relationship to last.
Jason's mind wandered to the fact that any and all entities of the Machine Empire had been relatively quiet as well. There were a few skirmishes here and there, but nothing like the battle they had when Tommy had been turned against them. That was when he heard the six-tone chime, knowing that the relative peace was about to come to an end. He brought his wrist communicator to his lips and spoke. "Jason here, I read."
"Jason, you need to come to the power chamber, it's urgent," Alpha responded.
"I'm on my way." Jason looked over to make sure the door was closed so his parents couldn't see in the room, and then disappeared from his room in a flash. He reappeared in the power chamber and looked up at Zordon immediately. "What's going on Zordon?"
"LOOK BEHIND YOU, GOLD RANGER," Zordon's voice boomed from his energy tube. Jason quickly turned, only to see an older gentleman alongside Alpha. Jason was puzzled, but then realized something was terribly wrong.
"Billy?" He said to the older gentleman.
"Good to know that I still look familiar, despite the aging," The old man replied.
"But... what happened?" Jason asked.
"We have some theories, but nothing concrete yet," Billy replied. "The most likely theory is that when Rita and Zedd turned back time, since I had found a way to reverse my age back to normal, there are now adverse effects since we restored time back to normal."
"But, didn't that happen last summer? Why would it catch up to you now all of a sudden?"
"I don't know," Billy replied. "But I need to figure out how to stop it before it progresses to the point of... well."
"Jason, this is why we called you," Alpha said. "We think that since you're the only one of the original five rangers here, that your DNA might be able to help in the reverse aging process."
"What do you mean?" Jason asked.
"Well, one thing that we discovered as we ran tests is that the original powers left trace elements in our DNA," Billy explained. "We think that maybe the DNA of another ranger with those same elements might be able to help us to change things in Billy's DNA."
"Ok... but what if that doesn't work?" Jason asked. "What are our other options?"
"WE HAVE COMMUNICATED WITH THE RANGERS OF AQUITAR TO SEE IF THEY KNOW OF ANYTHING THAT COULD HELP WITH THE MATTER," Zordon said. "WE ALSO HAVE ONE OTHER OPTION IF ALL ELSE FAILS, BUT I'M AFRAID THAT I CAN'T SAY ANYTHING ABOUT WHAT IT IS."
This confused both Billy and Jason, but they trusted Zordon's judgment. "Jason, I'm going to need to draw some blood," Alpha said, holding a needle in his robotic hand. Jason nodded his head and sat down on one of the medical tables that occupied space in the chamber, and held out his arm so that Alpha could get an adequate amount of blood to run tests with. After a moment or two, Alpha withdrew the needle, and Jason got off the table, and put his hand on Billy's shoulder.
"We're going to find a way to fix this, bro. Whatever it takes." Though Jason had always followed through, Billy seemed uncomforted.
"JASON, NOW YOU MUST FIND THE OTHER RANGERS AND BRING THEM TO THE POWER CHAMBER."
Jason accomplished the task Zordon appointed him, bringing the others to the chamber to find Billy in the same state that Jason had found him... well, except for the fact that he now looked even older. Billy and Zordon explained the situation, and told them particularly what would happen if they didn't find a way to reverse the aging process. Tommy was particularly taking it hard, but Kat reminded him, along with Billy and the others, that the rangers of Aquitar were very gifted in what they did, and to hold out hope. They waited until both Cestro and Delphine arrived, and they began running tests on Billy to see if they could pinpoint what was going on with Billy's body.
Cestro, the brain of the Aquitar Ranger team, ran many tests, particularly using Jason's DNA. The rangers had been there for hours (and what seemed like days), but nothing seemed to work. It was a very frustrating time, especially as Billy and Cestro communicated of what was going on. As Jason and Tommy looked on, it was aggravating for both of them as they saw the two most intelligent beings they had ever known baffled by what seemed like an impossible situation. Even with Zordon and his seemingly infinite wisdom, it seemed like the first time in power ranger history that they would ultimately fail, and at a time where failure was not an option.
However, it was then, that Zordon seemingly came to the rescue. "RANGERS, FRIENDS FROM AQUITAR. I'M THANKFUL FOR ALL YOUR HELP. HOWEVER, IT SEEMS THAT WE MUST GO TO EXTREME MEASURES TO SECURE BILLY'S SAFETY. IT SADDENS ME TO RECOMMEND THIS, BUT I BELIEVE IT IS TIME TO SEND BILLY TO A PLACE WHERE I KNOW HE CAN BE HEALED, BUT HE MAY NEVER BE RETURNED TO US."
"What do you mean, never be returned to us?" Jason asked.
"Yeah, why wouldn't he come back," Tommy added. They both looked at their old friend and teammate with saddened looks. Billy looked back with what seemed like an equal sadness. However, Zordon responded graciously.
"RANGERS, THERE HAS BEEN MUCH THAT I HAVE NOT DIVULGED TO YOU. PART OF THIS HAS BEEN TO PROTECT YOU, AND OTHER INFORMATION I HAVEN'T SHARED FOR THE SAKE OF PROTECTING OTHERS. THE GROUP THAT I AM SENDING BILLY TO NOW, IF HE CONSENTS TO IT OF COURSE, CAN NOT REVEAL THEIR IDENTITIES OR OTHER PARTS OF THEIR EXISTENCE."
"Look, no offense Zordon," Jason uncharacteristically got defensive with their mentor. "There's been one constant on this team since the beginning, and that's been Billy. He's been here for all of us, for all the generations of rangers, and I don't think it's right for you to expect us to abandon our friend and teammate in his greatest time of need."
"Yeah," Tommy added. "Zordon, you can trust us. You chose us for these powers, you chose us to protect the world. Now let us at least see Billy off." The rest of the team seemed to agree, along with Billy who seemed to breathe a large sigh of relief. After silence had occupied the chamber for a tense moment, it was Billy who then spoke up.
"Zordon, if this is my only choice... well besides aging rapidly to the point of death, then I need my friends to come with me. It's the only way I'll go." At that point, both Tommy and Jason put their hands on Billy's shoulders, affirming their commitment to see this through with him.
"VERY WELL, ALPHA, PREPARE THE TELEPORTATION," Zordon's voice boomed. Alpha went and locked in the coordinates for the place they were being sent, as the six rangers surrounded Billy, Cestro and Delphine looking on.
"Teleporting now," Alpha said, and seven different colored beams of light left the power chamber.
"CESTRO, DELPHINE, I MUST ASK YOU TO DO SOMETHING FOR US..."
The rangers and aging Billy landed in a dark and dreary room, with varying aromas inside of it. The seven of them looked around, but it seemed they were alone at this present moment. They didn't stray away from one another, keeping close together to make sure they could protect one another, particularly Billy, who was becoming more frail by the minute. As they continued to gradually explore the room they occupied, they noticed a smattering of books, glass jars with liquids, and... cauldrons?
"This looks like something out of Frankenstein, or one of those other old movies with the laboratories," Rocky said.
"Yeah, definitely different than my lab back home," Billy added. Suddenly the door swung open to the side of them, which caught the rangers off guard.
"So... you must be the humans he spoke of," a man said from the entrance of the doorway. His voice was not the most pleasant, and as he wandered more into the room his appearance of tall, thin, with longer black hair and dressed all in black, seemed to rub the rangers the wrong way. If his appearance didn't take them back, however, than the next man who walked through the doorway completely flabbergasted them.
"Are they here?" Said the second man, dressed in what could only be described as an authentic Merlin costume, with full beard, glasses, hat, robes and all.
"Yes, Albus," the other man hissed. "We need the aging one." He said, directing this comment to the rangers.
"We're not giving him up until you tell us who you guys are," Jason said.
"There's nothing to be worried about," The Merlin look-a-like said. "My name is Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster for Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry. This is Professor Severus Snape, who specializes in potions and defense against the dark arts. I'd offer to shake your hands, but I'm afraid that my one hand has been fairly injured." He lifted up his hand, showing a scarred and blackened hand. "The tale is thrilling, but I'm sure that is not why you're here."
"Wait... witchcraft and wizardry?" Kat asked.
"You mean... hocus pocus type stuff?" Rocky added.
"You'd think it wouldn't be so... unbelievable," Snape replied. "Considering you battled the dark witch Rita Repulsa for years." This quieted their skepticism.
"So," Billy said, walking out of the group of rangers. "Zordon said you could help return me to normal. Can you?"
"Well... yes," Dumbledore replied.
"But he also said that I can never return," Billy continued.
"Well, that's not entirely... accurate," Snape answered this time.
"The potions that we have here can definitely reverse the aging process, but we don't know if he'll have to continue taking the potion, or if there might be other things we can do to restore his true age permanently," Dumbledore explained.
"What about what Zordon said?" Adam asked.
"Yeah, he told us that you had to keep Billy for your safety," Tanya added.
"My dear, there are much worse things that threaten our safety than a bunch of non-magical teenagers knowing of our world," Dumbledore said with a bit of a mysterious joy hidden in his voice. "But for young William's sake, it would be of most benefit for him to stay here for now." As he spoke, Snape brought over a jar of blue-colored liquid and handed it to Billy.
"Drink... it." Snape said carefully. Billy nodded his head, and started drinking the smallish potion. After he finished, he handed the jar back to Snape. The others looked on, wondering if they would start to see a change. Sure enough, the white hair on his head began to change to a darker shade, the wrinkles on his face began to fade, and the muscles of his body began to tighten up. It was incredible to see the change so rapidly. However, it quickly stopped, where Billy now looked like he was in his mid-40's or so, instead of his 70's or 80's.
"Wow... Billy, you look..." Tommy started.
"Older still," Rocky finished the statement, eliciting a laugh from everyone minus Snape, who didn't seem like the kind of person to laugh.
"Well... at least I don't feel like I'm going to break every bone in my body anymore," Billy said.
"Humor aside, I was afraid of this," Dumbledore said. "We are going to need to make sure that you are properly healed, so you'll have to stay with us." The rangers' faces fell, thinking that maybe, if he had enough treatment this night, that he could go back with them. However, they could clearly see that there was work to be done. Even though the potion had helped, they could see Billy quickly beginning to age again. "William is in good hands, Severus is the best Potions master I know."
"Well, I guess this is good-bye," Billy said to his friends.
"We'll miss you buddy," Jason said, giving Billy a hug. The rest of the team followed suit giving him hugs.
"I guess this is it," Tommy said, indicating it was time to teleport away. However Dumbledore stopped them.
"Before you go," he started, "let me show you a magic trick."
"Sure... I guess," Tommy replied. Dumbledore pulled out his wand in his normal jovial manner and stuck it out at them.
"This is quite a fun spell, as it helps one forget the terrible times of the past, obliviate." Suddenly, the eyes on the six rangers went white, as if in a trance.
"What did you do to them!" Billy yelled, but Snape restrained him.
"William, I needed them to forget," Dumbledore replied. "There's more at stake in this than you realize. It's important that when they return, they don't remember anything, especially not Severus helping you."
"Return?" Billy asked.
"Yes," Dumbledore answered. "Soon, they will return, but not because of what has transpired here, but because of a war that is brewing. One that is unlike anything you have ever seen." Dumbledore turned to Severus. "Could you kindly communicate to Zordon to teleport these six back to the power chamber."
"So... when can I return?" Billy asked as Snape had left.
"William, I'm sorry I haven't been completely honest with you. The truth is we do have a potion that will completely heal you. However, there is something that you are able to do, and the fate of our worlds hang in the balance."
"Does it have to do with this war?"
"Not precisely, but it is very important that you are hid away from the war that is about to take place, so that you can make an impact during another one. I know you have just met me, William, but you must trust me."
"If Zordon trusts you, I do too." At that moment Snape returned.
"Albus, Zordon instructed us to tell them that Billy will be living with an Aquitian named Cestria, who can help reverse the aging process." Dumbledore quickly went to the group and flicked his wand, seemingly completing the spell that he had cast before. He walked back over to Billy, and in a flash of multi-colored lights, the others had teleported out of the potions room.
"Severus, one quick thing to remember," Dumbledore said.
"Yyyesss?" He said, with his patented drawl.
"Jason seems to be a griffyndor, which could be particularly useful in the coming events. Wouldn't you agree?" Severus stared at Dumbledore.
"Griffyndor?" Billy asked.
"I'll explain soon," he replied. "First, we need to get you connected with the right people, so that you are protected."
*Power Chamber*
The rangers started to come to a few minutes after they were teleported to the power chamber, and then looked up at Zordon.
"So, how is Billy doing?" Jason asked.
"HE IS ADJUSTING TO LIFE IN AQUITAR WELL," Zordon responded.
"I hope Cestria treats him well," Kat said. "He deserves someone kind and loving."
"Yeah," Tommy added. "I never thought that we'd have to lose him."
The rangers had stuck around for a while, reminiscing about Billy, both his friendship and the legacy he left behind. They also came up with a battle plan on how to break it to his Dad, who was his only family. Thankfully, they didn't need to do anything about Angel Grove High, since he had graduated early. Finally, the rangers left, except for Jason and Tommy.
"How are you doing, bro?" Tommy asked.
"Honestly, awful," Jason replied. "I remember the first time I met Billy. We were on the playground, and Bulk and Skull were teasing him. Zack and I saw it, and we came to his rescue I guess. We started talking, and we became great friends since then. And then, going through being a power ranger with him... I don't know man, I just... it's weird thinking he's not here. I mean, it was tough knowing that I was leaving Zack and Trini behind, and that Kim is in Florida, but at least I can call them. Billy's on a different freaking planet." The two men stayed silent, as did Zordon and Alpha, listening to their only two leaders of the power rangers.
"It's getting late," Tommy said, breaking the silence. "If you need anything, give me a call."
"I will, thanks bro."
"No problem." Before he left, Tommy quickly went over to the Blue Ranger suit that occupied one of the tubes in the back of the power chamber. "Will miss you Billy." Then Tommy teleported out, Jason following his lead, leaving Alpha and Zordon all alone.
"Zordon, are you sure this is a good idea?" Alpha asked. "You knew this entire time that the only thing that would work would be sending them to Dumbledore, why did you share with them that he could be healed by Jason's DNA or by the help of Delphine and Cestro?"
"I NEEDED A PLAUSIBLE EXPLANATION FOR WHY BILLY NEEDED TO LEAVE," Zordon replied. "I DIDN'T WANT TO DO IT, BUT ALBUS SHARED A PROPHECY WITH ME THAT ONE OF HIS PROFESSORS SAW. BILLY IS GOING TO BE NEEDED FOR AN IMPORTANT MISSION, BUT HE NEEDS PROTECTION FROM THE WAR THAT IS COMING. THIS WAS A HARD DECISION FOR ME ALPHA, BUT IT WAS THE ONLY WAY."
*Scott Residence*
Jason teleported back into his bedroom, hoping his parents would hear him and ask what was going on. There was so much going on in his mind that he didn't know if he could think of a viable story to cover where he really was. His thoughts kept going back to Billy, his friendship with him, and the fact he would probably never see him again. He laid in his bed with the same thoughts swirling in his head. He started to fall asleep, when he suddenly heard the phone ring on his private line. He looked at the clock, which read 11:00 P.M. 'Who'd be calling me this late?' He thought. "Hello, this is Jason," he said after he picked up the phone.
"J...Jas..son?" An obviously sad female voice came over the phone, one that he knew all too well.
"Kim? It's 2 in the morning over there, what's going on?"
"T...Trev...voorrr..." was all she could get out. Jason knew at that moment that her boyfriend had hurt her. Protective brother instincts kicked in, Jason had gone from a state of shock and sadness to one of enraged fury in an instant.
"I'll be there soon." He looked down on his communicator, and pressed it, teleporting him to Florida.
*Off the coast of the Atlantic Ocean*
The seas seemed peaceful, but it was clearly a lie, as the top of a periscope breached the water's surface. The periscope led to a very odd-shaped submarine. The person viewing through the periscope left it, to walk around to her subjects.
"Remember what we're here to do," the woman said. "We're here so that I, Divatox, can marry Maligore, and rule the world!"
To Be Continued...
Thanks for reading, please remember to review!
- Googz333